By
Marjorie Adam
Fall is a beautiful time of the year in the Charlottesville area. With cooler temperatures, stunning fall foliage, and an array of activities, there's no better time to get out and experience the local attractions. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there's plenty to see and do in the area. Here are ten fun things to do in the Charlottesville area in the fall.
Go apple picking - The mountainous terrain surrounding Charlottesville is home to many apple orchards. Picking your own apples, enjoying the autumn air, and indulging in apple cider and apple cider donuts should top your list of things to do this fall season. Great local spots include Carter Mountain, Chiles and Critzer Family Farm.
Visit Monticello - The home of Thomas Jefferson sits atop a hill overlooking the city, and during the fall season, the grounds are an explosion of color from the changing trees. Tours are offered in the daytime and evening during the fall season, taking guests through the house and gardens.
Take a hike - There are plenty of hiking trails around Charlottesville, each with a unique view of the fall foliage. For a particularly stunning view, take a drive up Carter Mountain for a 360-degree view of the changing leaves. Other great hikes include Walnut Creek and the Rivanna River Trail.
Attend a festival - Fall in Charlottesville brings a range of festivals, including the Virginia Wine Festival, the Virginia Film Festival, and the Apple Harvest Festival. Indulge in local food and drink while admiring the autumn air.
Go on a winery tour - Charlottesville is famously located in the heart of Virginia’s wine country, and fall is the perfect time to indulge in some wine tasting. There are various wineries in the surrounding area that host events and tastings throughout the season, including Barboursville, Veritas and King Family.
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway - This is a must-do activity in the fall. The Blue Ridge Parkway provides stunning vistas of the changing leaves, and the drive is an incredible experience in itself.
Explore the Downtown Mall - Charlottesville’s pedestrian mall is brimming with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Take a leisurely walk down the mall, enjoy a meal at an outdoor restaurant, and admire the fall decorations.
Take a Ghost Tour - With its rich history, Charlottesville has no shortage of haunted tales. Learn about the city’s spooky past with a Ghost Tour of the Downtown Mall.
Go to a UVA football game - University of Virginia football enters its home season in fall, and their games are an excellent way to enjoy the season. Cheer on the home team while enjoying tailgating and other game-day activities.
Check out the Carter Mountain Orchard Fall Festival - This event is perfect for a family outing. Carter Mountain Orchard holds a fall festival throughout the season, which includes pumpkin picking, apple cider donuts, and sparkling cider.
Charlottesville is a beautiful place to visit year-round, but fall is a particularly beautiful season to explore the area. From picking apples and visiting festivals to taking a Ghost Tour and going on a hike, there's no shortage of fun things to do. So, pack a sweater, grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte, and prepare for an autumn adventure!
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